Hot Topic 8 - Is corporal punishment correction or child abuse?
Heightened concern over child abuse and the widespread adoption of mandatory reporting requirements has placed school systems in a very awkward position. In the eyes of a reasonable person, any form of physical correction could be construed as child abuse. Teachers and school administrators who are aware of its use but who do not report it to child–welfare authorities face the possibility of being prosecuted for failure to report suspected child abuse. Is there ever a place for physical punishment or correction in schools?
Heightened concern over child abuse and the widespread adoption of mandatory reporting requirements has placed school systems in a very awkward position. In the eyes of a reasonable person, any form of physical correction could be construed as child abuse. Teachers and school administrators who are aware of its use but who do not report it to child–welfare authorities face the possibility of being prosecuted for failure to report suspected child abuse. Is there ever a place for physical punishment or correction in schools?